Percussion Pros and Wind Ensemble Students to Perform

Percussion moves from supporting role to center stage on Wednesday, April 18th,8:00 p.m., when the Maelstrom Percussion Ensemble and the Buffalo State College Wind Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Ricky Fleming perform together at the Rockwell Hall Performing Arts Center.

The one-hour concert, which is free and open to all, will feature the acclaimed Concertino for Four Percussion and Wind Ensemble by contemporary composer David Gillingham. The piece, which has become an international favorite since its premier in 1997, features marimbas, xylophone, timpani, vibraphone and bass drums. To enhance the wind ensemble and solo instruments, crash cymbal, suspended cymbal, tam-tam, bells, chimes, triangle and hi-hat join the mix.

"This is contemporary classical music at its best," says Dr. Bradley Fuster, Music Chair, who will perform with the Maelstrom Percussion Ensemble, a Buffalo-based group of percussionists that performs throughout the United States and has produced seven professional cds.